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What Causes Memory Problem And Difficulty In Concentrating?

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Posted on Thu, 12 Mar 2015
Question: ive been not able to concentrate lately. forgetting little things like what i came in the room for or a phone number but worse yet names of people that are dear to me and talk to everyday. Im only 38 so im confused as to why this is occurring.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Such symptoms may denote low vitamin B12

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

I can understand your problem. The main issues you are facing are poor concentration, forgetting things, difficulty in day to day tasks etc. Such symptoms can denote early stage of dementia but considering your age the possibility of dementia is very unlikely. In a lot of individuals such symptoms may denote some underlying mild anxiety and depression. In a lot of individuals the presenting complaint is forgetfulness in day to day tasks.

Nutrient deficiency especially Vitamin B12 deficiency may present with such symptoms. I would advise you to get your B12 levels checked to rule out the condition. To make final diagnosis you should consult a neuropsychiatrist for evaluation if these symptoms are causing impairment. MMSE or XXXXXXX mental status examination is a objective test and this can rule out any evidence of cognitive dysfunction due to dementia.

What can be done in such symptoms?

Follow simple lifestyle changes and you will see improvement-

- Try to sleep at least 7 hours a day.

- Take breaks from your routine in weekends.

- Start taking Vitamin B12, E supplements as they will improve memory.

- Take supplements containing Omega 3 Fatty Acids. These fatty acids are known to reduce such symptoms.

- Take diet rich in protein, complex carbs and low in fats.

- Diets rich in flex seeds, walnuts, animal food are helpful in mild anxiety and stress.

- Exercise for at least 20-30 minutes a day for at least 5 days a week.

These lifestyle changes will reduce your symptoms and you should see improvement.

Thanks, hope this helps you if you have more doubts please ask again.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (3 minutes later)
I should have mentioned I have DE XXXXXXX syndrome its very mild does this mean that it's getting worse
doctor
Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (17 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Hypocalcemia can occur in Di XXXXXXX Syndrome

Detailed Answer:
Hello

I don't think Di XXXXXXX Syndrome is making these symptoms worse. Though individuals are at a little more risk of developing psychiatric disorders but symptoms of forgetfulness and cognitive dysfunction are not common. Still I would advise you to get your Calcium levels checked apart from the tests I have mentioned. Chronic hypo parathyroid gland functions and hypocalcemia can cause symptoms mimicking dementia. If calcium levels come in low levels then start taking Calcium supplements and you will see reversal of symptoms.

Thanks
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (34 minutes later)
Thank you I can sleep better tonight. Thought I was going crazy
doctor
Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (2 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Thanks for your appreciation

Detailed Answer:
Hello again

Take care and wish you a good health. Please contact HCM again for your health queries.

Thanks
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 5193 Questions

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What Causes Memory Problem And Difficulty In Concentrating?

Brief Answer: Such symptoms may denote low vitamin B12 Detailed Answer: Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries I can understand your problem. The main issues you are facing are poor concentration, forgetting things, difficulty in day to day tasks etc. Such symptoms can denote early stage of dementia but considering your age the possibility of dementia is very unlikely. In a lot of individuals such symptoms may denote some underlying mild anxiety and depression. In a lot of individuals the presenting complaint is forgetfulness in day to day tasks. Nutrient deficiency especially Vitamin B12 deficiency may present with such symptoms. I would advise you to get your B12 levels checked to rule out the condition. To make final diagnosis you should consult a neuropsychiatrist for evaluation if these symptoms are causing impairment. MMSE or XXXXXXX mental status examination is a objective test and this can rule out any evidence of cognitive dysfunction due to dementia. What can be done in such symptoms? Follow simple lifestyle changes and you will see improvement- - Try to sleep at least 7 hours a day. - Take breaks from your routine in weekends. - Start taking Vitamin B12, E supplements as they will improve memory. - Take supplements containing Omega 3 Fatty Acids. These fatty acids are known to reduce such symptoms. - Take diet rich in protein, complex carbs and low in fats. - Diets rich in flex seeds, walnuts, animal food are helpful in mild anxiety and stress. - Exercise for at least 20-30 minutes a day for at least 5 days a week. These lifestyle changes will reduce your symptoms and you should see improvement. Thanks, hope this helps you if you have more doubts please ask again.